Ligation Clip With Cantilevered Spring Beam for Variable Tissue Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ligation clips are not adequately designed to accommodate tissues of variable thickness, lack controlled tissue compression, and are not simple or inexpensive to manufacture, which complicates surgical procedures and tissue visualization.
Innovation Solution
A ligation clip with a frame, a flexible band, and a spring beam, where the flexible band is pivotably supported and can move from an open to a clamped position, using a latch mechanism and a cantilevered spring beam for controlled tissue compression, minimizing ischemic tissue damage and allowing for low-profile design and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional ligation clip design is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is inexpensive, but the clip cannot accommodate tissues of variable thickness and lacks controlled tissue compression
Solution Approach 1:
The ligation clip incorporates a flexible band that is pivotably supported on one end of the frame, allowing the band to dynamically adjust its position and angle according to the thickness of the tissue being clamped. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the clip to accommodate tissues of variable thickness while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring beam is configured with varying thickness along its length, with the thickness changing from the first end to the second end. This parameter change in the spring beam's geometry allows it to provide controlled tissue compression force while accommodating different tissue thicknesses, effectively resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a traditional ligation clip design is used, then the manufacturing is inexpensive, but the clip lacks controlled tissue compression capability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring beam's varying thickness profile is designed to provide controlled tissue compression. The thickness transitions from a first thickness at the first end to a second thickness at the second end, creating a progressive spring force that compresses tissue in a controlled manner. This geometric parameter change achieves reliable controlled compression while remaining manufacturable through standard molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring beam is secured to the frame in cantilevered fashion, allowing it to automatically provide the necessary compression force without requiring additional active components or complex mechanisms. The spring beam serves itself by utilizing its own elastic deformation to generate controlled compression, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable tissue compression.
3Illumination intensity
If a traditional ligation clip design is used, then the structure is simple, but the profile is not low and visualization at surgical site is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ligation clip frame defines a cavity that allows the clip to maintain a low profile when closed. The flexible band pivots within this cavity space, enabling the clip to collapse into a compact, low-profile configuration that does not obstruct the surgical field or interfere with endoscopic visualization, while still providing adequate clamping function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides controlled tissue compression, reduces ischemic tissue damage, and allows for improved visualization during surgical procedures while being inexpensive to manufacture and simple in design, accommodating tissues of varying thickness effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The spring beam in association with the frame and flexible band provides controlled tissue compression to minimize ischemic tissue damage
Data Source
AI summary
A ligation clip includes a frame defining a cavity, a flexible band that is pivotably supported on one end of the frame, and a spring beam supported on the other end of the frame in cantilevered fashion. The flexible band is movable in relation to the frame from an open position to a clamped position to clamp tissue between the flexible band and the spring beam.